Wacantognaka Beautifully Expressed in Allen
One of the greatest values to the Oglala Lakota is wacantognaka (generosity).
The concept includes more than simply sharing with others. It includes as well showing kindness, compassion and sympathy towards other people and towards all of nature without a price tag, i.e. without the expectation of reward. The simple act of providing wacantognaka is its own reward, making the individual better and happier in life.
Honoring John DuBray
On Friday July 13, at the Allen Youth Center, a structure he caused to be built, John DuBray was honored by his community for daring to dream of a place for the youth of Allen and then making that dream come true.
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The Allen Youth Center Art Program Springs Forward
Thanks to a grant from the South Dakota Arts Council, which covers half of the artist-in-residence's fee, and in particular thanks to the outpouring of generosity from our loyal One Spirit family, the previously announced four-week Art Camp is now in full swing at the Allen Youth Center.
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Building Community where Conditions are dire
Everyone except the most die-hard introvert or hermit among us feels a desire for some sort of community.
Among the Oglala Lakota, traditional culture has always placed paramount value on wacantognaka (generosity), which means sharing and giving freely among one's people (oyate). In other words, building community by caring for one another is an important value for the Lakota.
Helping the Oglala Lakota achieve better lives, whether through our food programs, athletic programs, and cultural development that respects and build pride among the people: all of these have been guideposts for how One Spirit tries to help the oyate help themselves. When we first realized that community facilities providing a place to foster good health, education, activities, and cultural involvement were needed---especially for the youth---we decided to begin our efforts to meet this need in the town of Allen, with the One Spirit Allen Youth Center.
Art Camp at AYC
Artist in Schools and Communities Residency Grant
Approved by South Dakota Arts Council
We are excited to announce that the our request for an Artist in Residency grant has been approved by the South Dakota Arts Council! This means that now we will only have to pay half of the artist's fee and the rest will be paid by the Art's Council.
Youth Center Activities
The Allen Youth Center is continually developing new programs to meet the needs of youth and the entire community.
Some of the regular weekly activities include:
Daily meals/snacks 6-7pm Monday-Saturday
Emergency food boxes are also available
Nature hikes
Classes in Art, Woodworking, Sewing
Library
Telescope
Musical Instruments
Movie Nights
Computers and internet
Pool table, Ping Pong and Football
The center hosts events, concerts, lectures, classes, etc. for any individual, group or organization on the Pine Ridge Reservation. There is no fee charged.
The facility is open to the entire reservation. The center has microphones and a PA system for lectures and performances, music equipment including drums, amps, guitars, bass etc.
Bands are welcome to rehearse there. If they want, they can give a performance (as long as youth from Allen could attend).
Performances of all kind are welcome: music, dance, theatre.
The Allen Youth Center also offers opportunities for those with expertise in an area to hold seminars that are open to the entire reservation.
For the latest youth center events visit us on Facebook @AYCPineRidge